Daniel Libeskind reveals Durham University physics centre

Starchitect Daniel Libeskind's proposals for a new £10 million building to house Durham University’s physics researchers

Starchitect Daniel Libeskind has revealed his proposals for a new £10 million building to house Durham University’s physics researchers

The architect’s competition-winning Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics scheme will go out to public consultation next week (16 January) ahead of a proposed planning application this February.

The project has also received a major funding boost, with the Ogden trust promising £3.35 million and the Wolfson Foundation a further £1.5 million towards the ‘distinctive and exciting building’.

Libeskind landed the scheme, which will become home to the university’s Institute for Computational Cosmology and its Particle Physics Phenomenology globally, seeing off fellow finalist FaulknerBrowns Architects last July.

The new Centre building will be sit next to the Physics department on South Road, Durham and is due to complete in 2015, subject to planning.

Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of The Wolfson Foundation, said: ‘The new Centre will not only allow outstanding research to flourish but will also be housed in a distinctive and exciting building.’

Daniel Libeskind lands Durham Uni jackpot

Durham University has chosen starchitect Daniel Libeskind to design a new ‘landmark’ building for its physics researchers

The architect behind the masterplan for Ground Zero, New York and the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester, will mastermind the new Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics block, which will house the university’s Institute for Computational Cosmology and its Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology.

It is understood four practices were invited to compete for the building. One withdrew and another was not asked to a final interview, leaving Libeskind up against Newcastle-based practice FaulknerBrowns (proposals pictured).

Due to complete in 2015 subject to planning, the new building will sit next to the current physics building on South Road, Durham.

Martin Ward, head of the department of physics at Durham University, said: ‘It is intended that the building will complement the traditional buildings and landscape and it will also meet the highest industry standards for sustainability.’

Libeskind added: ‘Durham University is a place with both great history and great vision… this building will serve as a state-of-the-art facility and will be an exciting new presence in the cultural and educational scene of Durham.’

Studio Daniel Libeskind was also picked to design a ‘world-class headquarters’ for a new Institute for Democracy and Conflict Resolution at the University of Essex in 2010, though the scheme has not progressed (AJ 12.10.2010).

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